Finally, after a very long week since Arsenal beat Hull City 3-nil at the KC stadium (in a preview of the FA Cup final) the team will play another match. This time it will be Newcastle United coming to the Emirates for a Monday Night match. I attended this fixture last season and it fell on another weeknight, albeit during the crowded festive period. That one ended with was a crazy 7-3 score-line featuring a Theo Walcott hat-trick. Olivier Giroud almost matched Theo’s display coming off the bench and netting two, with only the post denying a 3rd. Also scoring that night were Lucas Poldolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. It was a gaudy score-line and a total we haven’t come to close to equaling since, but it was also a particularly unconvincing night, especially at the defensive end. Three times we took a lead only to have it equaled. Also, the post-match salute to all corners of the stadium by Walcott, who had been allowing his contract to run down, seemed like a farewell. Despite the 7 goals, the team seemed somewhat at sea.

It was a very long time ago and much has changed since. Of course, much also has remained the same.

One of those elements is that both clubs, contrary to usual policy in the Premier league, are still managed by the same men. Arsene Wenger (16 years) and Alan Pardew (3) are the League’s two longest serving managers, but both have weathered intense times at their respective clubs. For Wenger, it was a long campaign to get his team into the Champions league places (including a nervy 1-nil at Newcastle to end the season) followed by a summer of great potential (“money to spend”), great disappointment (we didn’t spend any in picking up two French players, Yaya Sanogo and Mathieu Flamini). Finally, at the deadline, after a devastating opening match loss to Aston Villa and worries about winning a Champions League Qualifier (vs already banned Fenerbache) and squeaking past arch-rival Tottenham in a 1-nil, Wenger (somewhat, at least) mollified critics by obliterating Arsenal’s transfer record and bringing in Mesut Ozil for 50 million Euros. From those early season difficulties we had an upbeat Autumn but a slow unraveling as injuries (and no replacement buys in January) combined with big defeats against title contenders dumped us out of that race and have brought us to another series of nail-biters as the club tries to hold on (again) for Champions league qualification.

In this same period, Pardew, whose team was spirited but ultimately callow in the 7-3 result I witnessed, has ridden maybe even a greater tidal wave of ups and downs. The January directly after the loss at our place featured even more recruitment in the “Neufchateau” vein, bringing in French (and French speaking) talent, including Yoan Goufran, Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Moussa Sissoko. Although these buys somewhat made up for the loss of Demba Ba (who scored two that night but was subsequently bought by Chelsea), it must be remembered that Pardew and Newcastle were coming off a 6th place finish in the league. Despite the wave of purchases, Newcastle played poorly in the 2nd half of the season and only avoided being pulled into the relegation battle because other clubs (Reading, QPR and Wigan) played worse and went down rather easily.

This past summer Newcastle withstood transfer links (including many with Arsenal) over holding mid-fielder Yohan Cabaye and added another Frenchman (and long supposed Arsenal target), Loic Remy, on loan from QPR. The Autumn went well and Pardew had his men playing outstanding football. They sat well in the top half of the table with the highlights being 1-nil victories at Tottenham and Manchester United and a 2-nil home win over Chelsea. In their final match of 2013 they played Arsenal almost even, only to lose to a long free-kick from Theo Walcott which received the slightest of touches from Olivier Giroud.

Again, however, they’ve been in a free-fall since the turn of the year, losing Cabaye to Paris-St Germain in the January window, getting pounded in the Tyne-Wear derby (a 3-nil loss to Sunderland at St. James Park) and now having lost 5 league matches on the trot. This most recent period has been compounded by a touchline ban for Pardew following a head-butting incident against a Hull City player.

That ban finally comes to an end with our match, but Pardew, who exchanged shoves with Wenger in 2006 when he was in charge at West Ham, has promised a calmer demeanor. Meanwhile, our own manager, despite finally getting his men winning again in their last two matches and looking better for retaining Champions league qualification (thanks to Everton losing 2 of their most recent 3 matches) and having a post-season date in the FA Cup final, seems under more pressure than ever. Supporters demand more than merely treading water and the potential of lifting the domestic trophy seems insufficient relative to failing—with some big score-lines against—in both the title challenge and against the defending champions Bayern Munich (again) in the European tournament. Wenger, who has mysteriously been holding off on signing a contract extension, has promised to do so, but this news seems to be greeted with more weary resignation (if not outright anger) than excitement by a majority of Gooners.

But that is ALL background. There IS a match to be played and it’s actually an important one for Arsenal. (In fact, all of these remaining matches are important and the fact that they haven’t been played—and won—may be the essential reason Wenger hasn’t actually signed.) Who will we play and what should we expect from our opponents?

I believe we’ll see a line-up unchanged (or nearly so) from a week ago at Hull. Poldolski continues (how can you drop a guy who is scoring 2 goals per match?) as will the mid-field group, buzzing again with the returns of Ramsey and Ozil. It’s possible some game time will be given to Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rosicky, Kallstrom, Sanogo and/or Flamini, who all seem healthy or, in the case of the latter, is not suspended. According to Wenger, Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere continue out injured but Tomas Vermaelen is available, so it’s possible that he might reprise his role at left back instead of Monreal, which seemed an effective set-up vs West Ham. Here is my best guess at the starters:

Predicted Line-up

Newcastle, by contrast, seems to be limping into this confrontation. Mercurial MF/Forward Hatem Ben Arfa is reported to be either injured or sent back to France. Other injuries appear a near constant throughout the Newcastle line-up, but big man Shola Ameobi has been scoring and Loic Remy may want to try and impress Wenger. Overall, IF Arsenal play their game and limit their mistakes, they should be able to exert enough pressure over the 90 minutes to cause Newcastle to crack. Goalkeeper Tim Krul’s most recent clean sheet was vs Crystal Palace on 22 March; his last in a road match was at Norwich on 28 July. If we can breach his defenses and net one, others might follow and we could be in the clear. In other words, unlike the 7-3 free-for-all I attended on 29 December 2012, I’d expect a match much more like the one we played exactly a year later up in Newcastle where it took that Walcott free kick and Giroud glancing touch, plus a stout, unyielding defensive performance of our own, to see them off. Everton has gifted us a bit of breathing room in the race for 4th but I’d prefer a bit more. The sooner this CL qualification is settled, the better.

Finally, on a personal note… As much as I enjoyed all the goals in this fixture last season, the best part was meeting a fellow blogger—Arthur 3 Shedds (from another site, where I used to participate) and his wife, who acted as our guides and mentors. We met pre-match outside the Finsbury Park station (my boy wearing my Sagna 3 kit to serve as the identifying agent) and they took us up the Seven Sisters Road (into the area of North London where Arthur—not his real name—grew up) for a meal of Turkish food before returning to the stadium and the match. Fun as it was, they had a long train ride back that night (they live in Charlton these days) and invited us to their place later in the week. That was a nice time as well and meeting them was a real highlight of our time in London. My point is that personal meet-ups can be a great by-product of all this writing about our shared interest, our football club. My hope is that I can meet some of you folks for a match or elsewhere. (Lake Tahoe in the mountains of California, where I live, is a pretty primo place to visit….) As much as it’s a pleasure (and, at times, a pain…) to share thoughts about our club, the human element is what makes it all worthwhile.

156 Responses to Arsenal – Newcastle preview & line-up: Are you ready for some football?

Very nice write up 17, agree with the selection. Part of me wants Vermaelen to play LB, he was pretty impressive covering there in our match against West Ham, but Monreal was fine in our last match at the KC stadium. COYG.

Beautiful and warm match preview seventeeno with some pertinent insights I had not thought of. :)

This is indeed a big game and we have to be careful not to underestimate the Barcodes tomorrow. They have nothing to lose but know they can beat the big teams on the day and we will need to be focused and professional throughout the game. I am not a big fan of playing both Pod and Cazolra on the wings, so hope that Ox will get a chance instead of Cazorla…. But your line up looks certain to start.

Really looking forward to seeing Rambo and Ozil playing together again and I am hoping that OG and Pod continue their productive form (goals and assists).

P.S. gents, it is important to note that Ox has been nursing ongoing persistent issues with a groin injury over the last few weeks. Prolly means he will be protected and restricted to cameo appearances.

Thanks Seventeenho………..tell me….by any chance, did you go to 7-3 fixture last season ?. hahaha
I wouldn`t go for Monreal and Arteta as they`re both shit !……just kidding…..they`re both rubbish !. hahaha
From previous post……the Song talk !. When Cesc went, I thought….gutted !. When Nasri went, I thought….gutted !. When RVP went, I thought…..gutted !. When Song went, I thought…..Song who ?. hahaha Talk about over hyping an average player !. Even talkSPORTS Durham couldn`t be bothered to have the usual dig and say ….” Arsenal selling another of their best players ! “, simply because he probably thought….” They got how much for Song !!!…fcuking good business !!! …Wengers a genius ! and we all know he wouldn`t want to say that !, so he just kept quiet !. Sorry Totes !…I know you like to have a quiet beast bashing session over Song, but he`s no “beast” !. hahaha

I just thought of a great headline for a post about this Summers Transfer Window !……………..” What players would you have a Wank over if bought by Arsene ? “.
Admit it, that`s a genius headline !. hahahahahahaha

Great post 17. Loved your little side note story. Despite my moaning on the previous post, thats what makes football special. I feel sorry for people who cant go to the games. It makes football so much more rewarding and broadens the perspective.

Important game for sure. Two good homes win and the battle for glorious fourth is over. I can see Cornwall and Admir planning there street party already. hahaha

Right, I`m off to bedibyes !……….It would help me get to sleep a lot easier if 17 came on and told me about how he went to last seasons Newcastle home game !. hahahahahahazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I think we must realise that Barcelona often buy players to keep the fans satisfied. Players like Affelay, Hleb and Song are bought by the club’s chairman to appease the fans and to win votes (or keep popular), only to see them rot on the bench.

Re, the last thread, I would rather have Ade back than Alex Song (but that’s just me, of course…) :D, both seem to maybe have had their heads turned just a bit by the big money…

Yes, Cockster I was at the match…And it was a weird one…I was expecting something with a little subtlety not the American football score and everything (hence the Hank Williams Jr. reference in the title)…

Questions for Total re: tomorrow’s match… Is Krul the #1 for the Dutch National team going into Brazil. Certainly he’s having a better season than Steklenburg at Fulham. I rate him pretty highly as PL keepers go…but maybe there are others out there of whom I’m not aware…

2nd question. Why no love for Santi? IMO he’s the big beneficiary when you add Ozil and Ramsey to the mix–and I love to see him smile. In truth, I love it when he drops deep and helps out (poor, helpless, woeful…) Arteta. All three are at the heart of what I think of as our buzzing MF. Rosicky can do it as well but takes up more space with his running and extreme one-footedness. For me, any time I see Poldolski somewhere besides the final 3rd I start thinking, “get forward.” I started to look at who Newcastle play in MF but w/o Cabaye it seems like it’s all Tiote and Vernon Anita which would suggest long and wide balls and a lot of hit and hope.

Touch wood, as the cockster might say, that all goes smoothly and the better team wins… I know I got a little caught up in Newcastle’s struggles in the write up. Sometimes I feel like many who support Arsenal from afar (i.e., they somehow came to support Arsenal) might do well to imagine if they had chosen the lovable underdogs from the NE–Newcastle. That’s some little scene up there with Mike Ashley. (IMO there’s no reason all the contenders in English football have to come from either London, Liverpool or Manchester. Why shouldn’t the Northeast or the Birmingham area have one? Maybe my geography is weak and I don’t understand the demographics…Natives, please explain…)

Ashley certainly could’ve taken this head butting incident and the big ban and losing streak as an excuse to fire Pardew. Is sticking by your guy just plain outmoded these days or is Ashley even cheaper than Stan the Wal-mart wife? Will Alain Pardieu be off to Paree or (one of the provinces) at the end of the season? I don’t know and I didn’t do (the Oz thing of REALLY doing) the research. Anybody? Personally, I think things might swing back to more stability in the managerial positions (United *almost* stuck with their guy…) but, again, WTF DIK? Pardew certainly brings the passion and maybe his players will want to show their affection for him with a bit of their own now that he’s allowed back on the touchline. Fisticuffs for him and AW? Should our manager cut off the sleeves of the puffy jacket for a (slightly) tougher look?

So many questions, but at least there’s a match, so another chance to demand some answers…

There is also Vorm, 17, and there are one or two domestic goallies who have been used by Van Gaal. I dont think it is set in stone as yet, but then little is with Van Gaal and the Dutch National Team.

I like Santi but feel that playing both Santi and Pod usually does not work. Either of them seem to function better with Theo on the other wing. As he is injured, I reckon Ox is the best alternative, although I also like Rosicky on the wing with either Pod or Santi on the other one.

17ht, that’s a classy preview and I really like the personal touch you have added at the end.

I remember going to Highbury to see us play Newcastle United back in ’94, when Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley played for them up front and we had Alan Smith and Ian Wright plus the legendary back four. We lost that game 3-2 but it was end-to-end stuff and we created enough chances to win and win well. Back then the famous Newcastle away support, the Toon Army, had a friendly family vibe to it which I think is missed a bit today.

This time round I think that the Arsenal will win well, and I expect to see both Podolski and Ramsey finding the back of the net. It’s so much more fun watching Arsenal now that Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are back in the team and there’s more pace and potency about the team. Your predicted line-up looks good, which is the one I would go for, should have the firepower to do a job on Newcastle, who are safe and don’t really need to turn up at this stage of the season.

You’re lucky living by Lake Tahoe; I’ve been there a couple of times and it’s a wonderful place both in summer and in winter. If I’m ever lucky enough to get back there I’ll let you know, especially if there’s some Arsenal-watching to be had!

Evening Wetarded Rankers !. :lol:
Just had a look on Google maps for our resident Tahoe Gooner when he was in London !. So I might now call him by his full name of ….17 Highbury Terrace, London N5 1UP …………I`d like a 5-1 up tonight !.
Lovely looking Wisteria clad building opposite Highbury Fields !………….bucking fich rastard !. hahaha
Anyone else on here who has lived at one time closer to THOF than 17 ?……nearest I got was 3 miles as the crow flies !.

Evening all, Nice preview HT, I hope you have been able to keep the spirits up in my absence?

I guess we all think this another round of ‘flat track’ bullying?

My only reservation is if the players themselves have got one eye on not missing a chance at playing in the Cup Final?

That said, if they keep doing what they have been doing,i.e. get control of their game before trying to impose it on Newcastle. That does not equate to slow starting, more passing and moving the ball quickly and keeping possession.

One of the very good things that came out of the last game, and what is needed here, was the way players ‘offered’ themselves as an outlet, in particular, Ramsey. This evening he should strip fitter which is another plus.

I’ll be listening on the ‘Player, so I hope it comes across as a comfortable win, rather than the all action repeat, or worse, a real struggle.

End of season is shaping up quite nicely, even if keeping players we should keep is a big disappointment?

Evening BKers. These are the games that get me anxious like Glic – i fear the complacency that has dogged us over recent years whenever we have started to show some form. I know we have been more consistent over the last 18 months, but even so, its so engrained now it will take a few cups to shift from my system. Hoping to be proved wrong with the boys flying out of the blocks! COYG!!!!!

Indeed Cockie, 17 Highbury Terrace is very close to the stadium. There’s even a back route with a path between streets that gets you there in about 3 minutes–right to the giant concrete letters and the Fizman Bridge…

Yes, Gerry, I have been missing you–another fellow who actually rates the players we’ve got (plus the manager, plus the ones coming up)… We need you back, eh…

They’re coming out of the tunnel now, Santi goofing around with Colocinni.. Plenty of daylight in London at 8 pm…

AB, I agree about our play–so many longer, do or die passes rather than shorter ones to hold possession and build pressure. I think it comes from Santi and Ozil and Ramsey moving away from the ball rather than towards it as we maybe got used to when Cesc was in the team. Toon pushing the back line forward also helps induce the killer and over the top passes…

“get control of their game before trying to impose it on Newcastle” said Gerry, I think they’ve done that quite well in the first half? And it’s a pleasure to have Özil and his class back (and Gerry’s!).

Yes 17, I miss that drive. Who knows, we might have it back in the summer?! I doubt it sadly. Ramsey not quite on the mark tonight. But Oz seems sharp, which more than makes up. Will we see KK on at some point for one of RamTeta?

Nice volley technique by Kos across the goal mouth. Plenty of individual strong play on display but the combos aren’t coming off. We look completely in control (which is both rare and a little worrisome)…

I don’t share them JB. He is not a pedigree finisher I agree, but he holds up and brings in, and helps the team performance. I don’t think this has been one of his better nights, but he is still pulling their defence around. I just wish he wouldn’t flounce around on the floor so much- looks daft given his size and build

Question to you BKers on this fine day of St Totteringham .
If Mansour City beat Everton this Saturday, thus securing 4th place trophy for us !, do you think Sith Lord Wenger will rest all his 1st choice players for the final two league games ?.
I am of the opinion that only an idiot would……(bearing in mind our despicable injury record)…..chance our 1st choice players getting injured and missing the FAC Final !…………..however, we are not talking about a person of historical common sense are we !.
Over to you……….and lets see who is the first person to try and defend the uncommon sense reason of playing any 1st choice players in this scenario !.
Actually, there`s only two players I would play……..Diaby and Wilshere and that’s to try and get them some match fitness if possible !.
Any others ?.
Off to bed and will check back tomorrow to see if any of you are as delusional as I suspect !. hahahaha

Cockers, although you have a very strong point, here is another thing: it seems that at least three players can play their last game for Arsenal at the Emirates including current captain so our game against West Brom – at the end of which curtains will fall on our season at home – might serve as their testimonial. Furthermore, resting players while our form is on the rise might have a boomerang-effect on us in the cup final.

Anyway:

HAPPY ST TOTTERINGHAM’S DAY BKERS!!!

P.S. I got my prediction right except I expected The Nose to score twice.

P.P.S. I’ve just read that Louis Van Gaal once showed balls to Bayern players just to inform them that he had balls to make unpopular decisions. Imagine him doing the same routine at Old Trafford: “Here are my balls”, Van Gall will say before pointing to Van Judas: “and here is the dick.”

Good “professional” performance, and another clean sheet for Szczesny (20 this season, I think). With Manchester City now in the driving seat again, they will turn up at Everton and win, which will mean that 4th Place is secured even if we lose our remaining 2 games. Too bad we faltered in March-early April. There is always next season. Speaking of which, I am very concerned about the number of Arsenal players that will be going to Brazil in the Summer instead of resting and then having a good, proper pre-season. Hopefully, nobody will come back injured (fingers will definitely be crossed). We need to get our transfer business done early. Please Arsene, make it a good one because Manchester United will return stronger than ever next season, City and Chelsea will buy all the top tier players for their respective bench, Liverpool will strengthen to stay in the top four. We need to be ready to fight from the get-go.

I would most definitely welcome a “fine tuned”, well “rested” passing machine Alex Song Bilong back to the Emirates with open arms to replace Arteta. I missed Song’s tenacity, vision, and those ooohh so wonderfully chipped lobs over the top of the opposition’s defense… With a vastly improved Ramsey (and his engine) by his side and the Flamster as his backup, I think our midfield would be strong, dynamic, and truly amazing. But that is just my opinion. What does Wenger think? Would he take Song back and instead spend the extra cash on an SQ Striker, a proper and pacy LW, a new RB, and a decent Goalkeeper to replace Fabianski? We shall see…

I’m more for a win out just in case Everton take advantage of City’s away form… And cuz we are redeveloping form to take into a cup final. So, for me WBA is still must win from here even past and including the City win I expect Saturday…

BTW closest prem race in many years … Two years ago we were third but 19 off… Last year fourth and 14 off the pace… This year 4th but maybe 7 or less off the pace? Not a bad improvement despite the placing. For what it’s worth despite injuries we are, over a season, playing far closer to up top

Professorio !……..I think your getting your ghosts mixed up !…..”The Ghosts of the Thirties are stirring !”…. is Terry Transplants saying !. Easily confusing, as you`re probably mixing it up with my breaking news a few months ago about VCC`s missus complaining about the lack of action from VCC and to quote his missus….” His cock is as dead as a Dodo, bring me the Dildo ! “.
After exploring all avenues, including a visit to the taxidermist, it was agreed that the best thing for all was…Euthanasia of the Hampton !, however it didn`t get to that point as VCC`s knob suffered a cardiac arrest in the butternut squash aisle at his local Tesco`s !. Whilst Mr`s VCC was drooling over the butternut squashes, Tesco paramedics tried CPR on said knob, but even the introduction of a 10,000 volt defibrillator could not bring it back to life !.
However, there has been some spooky goings on in the VCC household !. The dead knob has possessed VCC`s body and VCC now wears a polo neck jumper, an eye patch, shaved his head and has spontaneous moments of sitting upright in his bed !. His missus awoke one night to find VCC trying to shove his head up her Jack & Danny !.
They have tried séances, mystic`s and even tried a Ouija Board, but the possessed VCC put French Letters around the board instead of English !.
He has fled to Spain to visit a catholic priest to perform an exorcism, we await for the news, but a priest called Juan is probably giving him Juan as we speak !.
Juan kneels to Vics Arse Anal !.

Interesting behind the scenes access …….I always thought Jenkinson looked the athlete type, he looks a natural runner to me…….he has the fitness to be B2B, but just lacks the skills !…..maybe a DM ? and even cover at CB !, as he`s definitely a specimen of fitness !.

In other news !……I see on newsnow that a porn site has promised to plant a tree for every 100 videos watched !………..first let me say, there is no link whatsoever to the fact that I have over 200 trees on my property !……..anyway, if I watched a 100 porno`s, first I wouldn`t have the energy to plant my foot outside the door, let alone plant a tree and secondly, I wouldn`t know where to plant the tree as I would most likely be blind !.
Luckily for Stretch, he has got his own personal contract of 1 hair follicle transplanted for every 100 porn`s he watches with the same site !.
Stretch at his local gym………………………………………………………………………

Maybe it was VCCs ghosts I was referring to?? The news cycle here in way down under is very very very… very slow..

When I moved here many of my friends in the US had never really heard of NZ or where it was. Fortunately, just before leaving it made the US news cycle. Seems in Napier a bull elephant sea lion had taken a liking to a local mans Toyota pickup and would regularly come ashore to have relations with it while the man was at work. Later to come out and be mystified at the increasing damage. All caught on video…

Difference between my story and yours about pour VCC is mine is true, yours only has a probability associated with it being true… :D:P

Good stuff, Cockie on the “Up the Seven Sisters” Celebrations… Where is everybody today? Senyor Bic has an excuse, and others might be grillin’ and chillin’ (as Cockie suggests) but are others only laying low because ours was the manager less likely to get the sack after yesterday’s match?…

Tough times to be a Gooner (as always…) but JGC’s description of the Sea Lion (Elephant Seal?) and the truck remind me of what I’m watching right now–Real Madrid starring as the animal… (Another good call for the Superspy. Well done, 007…) Is Pep (if he’s not sacked…) gonna blow that team up? Arjen Robben back to London (Arsenal) to show Jo-sey what he’s missing? If Suarez wins the PFA England must have come around on the diving question… Plus he’s bald!!! What’s not to like?…:D

It was good to Ozil giving Giroud a bollocking last night about his not spotting Ozil in bags of space when he scored his goal. He looked truely disgusted and clearly said to him check your vision.
That is good to see for me, it shows Ozil is comfortable now and is not afraid to tell players when they have done something wrong.
Ozil is a very special player, i have seen plenty from him now this season to know he is well worth his fee and more. He will be a true great for us next few seasons.
That said i do agree with many of you when you say he needs another striker to really bring out the best in him, i think Giroud is very good and will improve further , we just need a quick , aguile goal poucher as another option.
Or can Theo Walcott be that man.??? For me he certainly is not far away from being, if not is.

Real are a different class to Bayern, The pace of Bale and Ronaldo is awesome

A link from a spurs blog/site that maybe, just maybe, casts a different light on the AW stay/go and season… Ie a view from a different end of St T’s day … As in I’d bet some Spurs fans would be happy with our problems